The State Of The Union
I want to start by thanking each of you who participated in Cornerstone this summer. From the feedback I have been receiving and my own experience, this was one of the best fests yet. Now I use the word “participated,” for truly Cornerstone is made of all who were there. There are no spectators at Cornerstone. Each of us traveled to the campgrounds, found our choice camping spot, figured out our living arrangements for the week, decided on which seminars and concerts to attend. Some joined into the games. And most importantly, all of us helped create this wonderful little community that almost magically appears each summer. We met old friends and established new relationships.

Our 25th. It almost seems impossible that it has been that long and yet I can hardly recall a summer without Cornerstone. I have watched my 3 children grow up at Cornerstone. It has played a significant part in their spiritual journeys. Today they are all married and this year I had the pleasure of being joined by my 3 grandkids. I can hardly wait to see what part Cornerstone will play in their lives.

You see Cornerstone is a place where each of us has the opportunity to grow in our understanding of what it means to share in this amazing grace we have been offered, to see God’s love in action, to be Christ followers. It is also a time of patience as many who attend are seekers. Whereas to some of us the answer is so obvious and we can hardly believe others can’t see it, we also welcome those who join us each summer who are still looking. Especially the teenagers and young adults who are beginning to question what they have been taught. They may need more time. Often they are longing to see this faith in action. What a grand responsibility to be able to model Christ’s love for them.

I addressed this editorial “The State of the Union” as I wanted to bring you deeper into the inner circle. I want each of you to understand more about Cornerstone and how it all comes together.

Cornerstone is a non-profit event. The entire staff is volunteer. Even I, the full time director, do not take a salary from Cornerstone. I and the year round staff are all urban missionaries supported by our local church and outside sources. Each and every dime that comes into the fest goes right to the bottom line. Most of your ticket revenue goes toward the programming each year. The speakers, the artists, and the overall production. But there is also a year round expense I want you to be aware of.

I am not sure what Cornerstone would look like today without that incredible 600+ acre campground we call Cornerstone Farm. What a blessing to able to gather each summer at this place. And yet it is also comes with a hefty price tag. We enjoy over 5 miles of internal roads. The campground has over 200 water spigots spread out along several miles of underground plumbing fed by our own deep water well and pump system. There are extensive electrical services spread out over the property. We have 5 ponds and a 125 acre lake with a massive dam and spillway and miles of fencing. I share all of this as I want you to understand where your ticket money and contributions go. Again, there are no salaried employees. We, just like so many of you each summer, are volunteers.

We have tried hard to keep ticket prices affordable and will continue to do so. We also face the challenge of rising costs. I covet your prayers. We need God’s wisdom and guidance as we plan for next summer. I want Cornerstone 2009 to be a spectacle to behold and yet affordable. Tickets for next summer are already available. I realize it is asking a lot to expect anyone to purchase their tickets so early but this is one important way you can contribute to the year round budget. These early ticket sales are vital pieces to the puzzle. I want to thank each of you who have already made the commitment and encourage all of you who can afford it to please purchase your ’09 tickets as soon as you can.

The new 2009 website will be up around Nov. 1. In the meantime there are over 1000 photos and over 60 video clips from this year online for you to enjoy. We will be running several contests over the next few months and invite you to participate. We also love to hear from you and encourage everyone to vote on what bands they want to see in ‘09.

So thanks of taking the time to read this. I want to again thank each of you for the privilege of letting me direct this festival as it is only through your prayers and continued participation all of this is possible. And as you know, Cornerstone is an enormous joint effort that relies on thousands of hours of volunteer service from so many of you.

From one Christ follower to another.
Thanks,
John Herrin
Cornerstone Festival director